Just like the ocean’s waves, your kindness can ripplethroughout a family, school, community, and our world.

​

From an early age, the power of small moments shaped my life. I discovered that kind words and thoughtful actions could uplift others, and this realization stayed with me. One defining experience was the day I rescued an Ocean Perch on the beach—proof that even the smallest gestures can make a difference. Later, volunteering at a preschool for children with special needs opened my heart to the joys of teaching. That experience set me on a lifelong path in education, a journey that has spanned more than forty years.
 

Choosing Washington State University for college was a life-changing decision. It brought me a strong education, lifelong friendships, and my husband. The years that followed were full of adventure—teaching, earning my masters degree at Seattle University, and raising a family.
 

Some of our happiest moments were spent watching our sons compete in baseball, soccer, and cross-country, or traveling to Lake Chelan, Hawaii, and on ski trips. Being a mother has been the most rewarding role of my life.

Today, my two sons, both teachers, have built wonderful families of their own, including two incredible daughters-in-law and five precious granddaughters. With time and means to explore, I’ve embraced my love for travel, visiting incredible places like Italy, France, Spain, Poland, and Portugal. Each destination has deepened my appreciation for the beauty of the world.
 

I hope my book inspires children and adults alike to reflect on their own meaningful experiences. Life is filled with moments that leave an impression, shaping who we become. Writing this book was also a personal tribute to the beach—a place of renewal and wonder. There is something transformative about standing at the water’s edge, breathing in the salty air, and soaking in nature’s beauty.

And above all, remember to spread kindness.